Man Utd 'draw up three-man shortlist' as Erik ten Hag to get wish granted after sack call

Manchester United have reportedly drawn up a three-man shortlist as they look to add another striker to Erik ten Hag’s squad for next season. Rasmus Hojlund was often the club’s only fit centre-forward due to Anthony Martial’s persistent injury concerns, with the Frenchman’s contract set to expire at the end of the month.

Martial’s departure on a free transfer has already been confirmed but after Ten Hag stressed the need for competition alongside Hojlund, club chiefs have identified three possible additions.

That has already dwindled down to four after Benjamin Sesko snubbed interest from the Premier League to pen a new contract at RB Leipzig, forcing United and co to look away from the Slovenian wonderkid.

ESPN claim that United’s striker targets include Ivan Toney, Jonathan David and Joshua Zirkzee this summer. Ajax forward Brian Brobbey has also been monitored, but that interest has been largely led by Ten Hag.

After committing to Ten Hag following an end-of-season review, INEOS want added competition for Hojlund as they look to support the 21-year-old in his second season at the club, with a sizable budget readied for that addition.

Brentford are set to demand in excess of £50million for England striker Toney, even though the 28-year-old has just a year left on his contract in west London. He does bring Premier League pedigree, however, an edge over United’s other two targets Zirkzee and David.

The latter, Canadian forward David, bagged 19 Ligue 1 goals for Lille last season and also has just over 12 months left on his contract. French reports have claimed that the 24-year-old is ready to depart Stade Pierre Mauroy and offers United an additional bonus of being capable of playing out wide as well as through the middle.

Bologna striker Zirkzee is available for £34m through his release clause after scoring 12 Serie A goals in 37 games, but United will face competition from Arsenal for his services.

But after United committed to Ten Hag for the long-term future, with the two parties set to engage in discussions over a new contract, the Dutchman is set to get his wish after publicly demanding another forward addition.

“We need to get a striker in to work alongside Rasmus Hojlund,” Ten Hag said at the beginning of the month. “I also hope we manage to get another central midfielder and also a replacement for (Raphael) Varane. Then I think things will look very good for next season – with the caveat that the players are fit and stay fit.

“Then you can start playing towards the top four with such an 11. That gives me hope and is also realistic in my eyes.”